Here's how you can infuse creativity into your geological data analysis process.

When analyzing large volumes of geological data, look for patterns or trends as they may be more significant than they first appear. In my current research, I noticed while mapping the top of the crustal basement in the Santos-Campos-Espirito Santo basins offshore Brazil that this surface was climbing higher in the seismic section as I moved from southwest to northeast. I then took actual depth measurements along the axis of the external rift zone that separated Brazil from West Africa during the Late Aptian (ca 113 ma). The measurements validated what I saw visually. Why is this important? It means that the reservoir and source rocks will tend to be thicker in the southwest, thus increasing the probability of finding hydrocarbons.

Geological science requires strong visual aids to observe, analyze, and form hypotheses. Geoscientists are visual learners by training. A geologist sees millions of years of Earth's history by observing a rock cliff's intricate structure and texture. Therefore, from an outcrop to a map or a seismic section, the first step to deciphering the story behind it is through visual aids. An image can reveal multiple things to observe and infer, sparking creativity through multiple working hypotheses. A single piece of information may be vital, but it can offer a different story when presented as part of a larger assembly. Hence, a geoscientist should possess a creative mind to propose one or more working hypotheses to move forward.

Close to "interdisciplinary insights" could be "joining unrelated planes of thought". Honouring the data and yet coming up with multiple explanations , from the ridiculous to the sublime , and then choosing one ,which best ties with the data as working model is the hallmark of true exploration. All said and done, the power of imagination cannot be undermined. Incremental leaps of thought bring in small gains . It is the out of the box thinking that happens after long periods of quiescence. Breakthrough concepts aiding exploration happens in 30-40 years. Lack of discovery, is the lack of new exploratory thinking. It may sound cliched , but have to quote Wallace E Pratt" “Where oil is first found is in the minds of men.”

Multiple working hypotheses have been, so far, the foundation of the success stories of my career. The exploration business is all about managing uncertainty by eliminating higher risks. Hence, we always need to see all the facades of the walls before making any recommendations. A single hypothesis may lead to bad decision-making. However, once we know the facts at hand and evaluate different working hypotheses, we eliminate or reduce the risk of both positive and negative surprises. This works even better for a new venture or technology startup for a new energy business, which requires more capital but offers high risk for either technical or business success. Playing with hypotheses also helps us to manage our capital more effectively.

Drawing parallels is a powerful tool for any scientific process. Spatial and temporal correlation is the most potent tool in geology. An exploration business starts with a model. A model is built on available data, and its sanctity is tested using analogous models. One reservoir may have specific properties in Country A. However, it is possible that a similar reservoir can also exist in Country B. There will be differences as there is no absolute analogue. It can be different in time and space, but still, it is a powerful tool to infuse deep learning. This analogical study will be more developed in today's AI environment, there will be challenges but it will provide more insights for sure.

Doc, of late I came across a software tool of integration of the data that you are suggesting and is called as Geomodeller of Intrepid Geoohysics which includes resource calculations and probabilistic analysis. May like to try

Geology is a fascinating mix of physics, chemistry, biology, and math. One such example is potential modelling in crustal studies, which requires a good understanding of the physics of gravity and magnetic integration with subsurface characterization. While exploring EGS geothermal, I've discovered that integration is more important than ever. In this field, we focus on mining energy rather than resources. Therefore, applying thermodynamic principles for resource calculation and extraction is crucial. Additionally, understanding engineering is essential for effective project management. Integration is the key to success in the new energy business.

Building a geological models as will as 3D geophysical (seismic models ) maps,cross sections ,start be necessary to handle the huge data volume ,will make life easy to examine,study and conclude the 3D geological trends and or uncertainties , all the above gives the interpreter more confidence to recommend and or conclude the best development/ exploration plan . Also we get use the maximum collected data power . Which can access/ revisit /update during whole field/ project life